Scotland Guide
Argyll
Isle of Gigha
Gigha ( 
www.gigha.co.uk ) – pronounced "geeya" – is a low-lying, fertile island three miles off the west coast of Kintyre, reputedly occupied for five thousand years. Like many of the smaller Hebrides, Gigha was bought and sold numerous times after its original lairds, the MacNeils, sold up, and was finally bought by the islanders themselves in 2002.
The ferry from Tayinloan, 23 miles south of Tarbert, deposits you at the island's only village, ARDMINISH, where you'll find the post office and shop. The main attraction on the island is the Achamore Gardens (daily 9am– dusk; £4), a mile and a half south of Ardminish. Established by the first postwar owner, Sir James Horlick of hot drink fame, their spectacularly colourful display of azaleas is best seen in early summer. The real draw of Gigha, however, apart from the peace and quiet, is the white sandy beaches – including one at Ardminish itself – that dot the coastline.
Gigha is so small – six miles by one mile – that most visitors come here just for the day. It is, however, possible to stay either at the Post Office House ( 
01583/505251, www.gighastores.co.uk ; Price: ₤41-50) or at the beautiful Achamore House ( 01583/505400, www.achamorehouse.com ; Price: ₤91-110), in the midst of Achamore Gardens. The licensed Boathouse ( www.boathouse-bar.com ), by the pier, is the place to go for delicious food, while the shop offers bike rental.